OPINION
Newcastle United are desperate for a victory and there is no doubt that they will pull out all of the stops against Watford on Saturday to ensure just that.
However, there are two obstacles standing in their way – and they are fearsome duo Gerard Deulofeu and Roberto Pereya, who have been magical for Watford this season.
Yes, United may be full of confidence after pundits like Mark Lawrenson predicted a comfortable win for them, but they will no doubt be sweating buckets at the thought of facing these two players.
Sky Sports pundit Alan Smith described the pair as “bringing some stardust to a solid side” in his Evening Standard column – and he could not be more spot on.
The Magpies do not have the strongest of defences and they will obviously be tested with the onslaught that is set to come from these two – and fans will be praying that they do not wreck their usual havoc at the expense of Newcastle.
They have netted a combined total of seven games throughout Watford’s campaign so far, a rather impressive figure when you realise that they are only playmakers.
This match will be a real test of Newcastle’s defensive capabilities, and we will soon see whether they are able to deal with the amount of threat that they will be receiving on Saturday.
Many have criticised boss Rafa Benitez for playing with a defensive mindset, but he must deploy this type of tactic if he is to heed any sort of result from this game.
The Hornets will have a field day with the form that Newcastle are in – and their key duo will no doubt heap more misery on them this weekend, with supporters sweating by the bucket load at this prospect.